Page 11 - Hobe Sound Reflections - April '22

Hobe Sound, Page 11

HappenIngs

BBBS Of Palm Beach And Angela W iltz, and Parks, in her spare time,

Martin Counties Adds Three community engagement Lastree enjoys working as
and outreach coordinator,
a professional organizer
To Staff majored in Public Relations and spending time with her
at Emerson College in
boyfriend, her family, and
By Jackie Holfelder Boston. She has worked her dog, Lulu.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin for several nonprofit Seeing firsthand how
Counties (BBBSPBMC) recently announced the addition organizations, including her relationship with her
of three new team members. the Cathedral of the little sister has flourished,
Kara Hitner is marketing Pines, New Hampshire’s she finds motivation in
and events coordinator, only Congressionally helping create similar
responsible for coordination recognized war memorial experiences for Littles and
and planning of special and Mercury One, where Bigs to come. One of her
fundraising events. Hitner she helped organize large- Angela Wiltz favorite quotes is “I alone Lastree Lemene
graduated from Florida scale stadium events and cannot change the world,
International University coordinated international outreach. but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many
with a Bachelor of Science Wiltz is a self-proclaimed “history junkie” and ripples” by Mother Teresa.
in Hospitality Management is a credited researcher for The New York Times best Since 1904, Big Brothers Big Sisters has operated
and a specialty in Event and seller, Being George Washington – The Indispensable under the belief that inherent in every child is incredible
Meeting Planning and has Man. In her spare time she enjoys reading, watching potential. As the nation’s largest donor- and volunteer-
four years previous work documentaries and exploring new places. supported mentoring network, Big Brothers Big Sisters
experience in the field. Lastree Lemene has joined BBBSPBMC as match makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult
In her free time, Kara Hitner support specialist, supporting the School to Work program volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”), ages 6
she enjoys attending and its participants. She also assists with recruitment and through young adulthood in Palm Beach and Martin
community events/festivals, spending time with family enrollment for the program. counties. We develop positive relationships that have a
and friends, going to the beach, crafting and gardening. Lastree was involved with the agency for more than direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people.
She’s thrilled to bring passion for event coordination to seven years as a volunteer Big Sister and recently returned To learn more, visit www.mentorbig.org.
BBBSPBMC, “an amazing nonprofit that enriches the to the staff this past fall. A graduate of the University of Photos by BBBSPBMC
lives of so many children.” Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Tourism, Recreation

tIp oF tHe taIl

Feline Hyperthyroidism in sight. You may also see an increase in thirst and urination the thyroid gland. A blood test, T4 (thyroxine), can confirm

and your cat may begin to vomit. Less common findings are hyperthyroidism. This test should be part of the bloodwork
restlessness, cranky behavior, diarrhea, and occasionally recommended by your veterinarian every year during your
breathing problems. older cat’s annual examination. Occasionally, your cat will
There are two potentially serious complications if require ancillary blood tests to confirm hyperthyroidism, but
hyperthyroidism is left undiagnosed and untreated. These this is rarely necessary.
complications are hypertension (high blood pressure) and There are several options after your cat has been
a heart disease called thyrotoxic cardiomyopathy. Blood diagnosed. Treatment is usually very successful. First, your
pressure can get high enough to cause retinal damage cat can be treated with an oral medication, methimazole
resulting in sudden blindness The heart becomes inefficient (Tapezole). This drug is given once to twice daily and his
because it is enlarged and thickened to compensate for the T4 and kidney values are monitored. Once he is regulated,
Hyperthyroidism is a common disease seen in older cats. increased metabolic demands. he can continue with Tapezole for the rest of his life or you
It is caused by the overproduction of hormones by one or Your veterinarian will be suspicious your cat has can choose another treatment option. The abnormal gland(s)
both thyroid glands. The average age of diagnosis is 12 years hyperthyroidism if you report the common signs or if he does can be removed surgically. Surgery in older pets has its
old and it is exceptionally rare in cats under 10 years old. a physical examination. The veterinarian will notice weight inherent risks, but if he is otherwise healthy, surgery can be
The most common sign you will see is weight loss which loss. On physical exam he should be able to feel enlarged an excellent option. Radioiodine treatment is the best way
is due to a greatly increased metabolism caused by the glands on one or both sides of your cat’s neck. Usually to destroy the abnormal tissue without damaging the normal
excessive amount of thyroid hormone in your cat’s system. only one gland is swollen. Even though the gland(s) are thyroid tissue. It will accumulate in the abnormal tissue
Even though he is losing weight, your cat is likely to be eating enlarged, it is usually a benign change. Only a small number only, and destroy those cells. This procedure can only be
well. In fact, many cats are ravenous and try to eat everything of cases, less than 2 percent, involve a malignant cancer of performed at specific facilities, because your cat will literally
be radioactive for a short period of time. This requires your
cat to be hospitalized and cared for in a lead lined space for
at least 4 to 7 days. Lastly, there is a relatively new option.
A low iodine diet, which claims to restore thyroid health, is
currently on the market. Other sources of food can provide
iodine, so the diet must be strict. This food is a balanced diet
and helps support kidney health as well.
There is no known way to prevent hyperthyroidism, but
diagnosis is relatively easy and treatment is generally very
successful. Your cat will gain weight, eat normal amounts of

Tip Of The Tail on page 12

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